Walking a 5 month old puppy?

[Hevgibbs]

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Hi I have an 11 year old show cocker spaniel and have recently lost a 10 year old to a tumour, I have always walked my dogs from an early age for long distances and at their age Now have never had any issues with arthritis or joints, I have a 5 month old cocker puppy and have started her on long walks(2hours every weekend and 45 min walks in the week) from about 4 months old as I did with my other dogs. I have just read however about this 5 min rule for each month of the puppies age which means I should only be walking her 25 mins a day!! I am worried I may have caused damage to her already by these long walks in the last month? I have never heard of this even though I have had dogs for 11 years. The problem is she has bundles of energy and stamina and I know 25 mins a day will not be enough for her as even after 2 hour walks she is still running round with my other dog??? I would just like to know how much damage I could have caused in this last few weeks?? And if I should be doing the 5 min rule or if she can handle the walks keep going??

 

[MissYeh]

Until she reaches maturity, it's best not to overdo it even when the puppy is still bursting with energy. Taking it slow is for her health and to minimise your future vet bills.

Instead of going for long walks.. do more and shorter walks. Add some training to it to mentally stimulate her. Mental stimulation can also be very tiring for a dog. Soon enough you'll be able to take her for long walks.

If in any case, I advise you to call or visit your local vet about this.

 

[Laurab1984]

Vets recommend 5 minutes per month of age, twice a day (so 25mins twice a day for your pup). However, my vet advised me last week that the odd longer walk with a variety of terrain (grass, mud, water) is ok too. Pavement pounding is seen as damaging for young pups as it puts too much stress on their growth plates. My 5 month old puppy charges around the garden all day with my other dog and still runs around the field with her when we're out. I always bring him back before her though so he doesn't overdo it and he seems fine (vet checked last week, good looking pup, growing well and a lovely shape). Almost a proud parent moment....

Hope this helps